Method and apparatus for managing international mobile subscriber identity

ABSTRACT

Aspects of the subject disclosure may include, for example, responsive to a mode of operation being a reseller mode, providing a second international mobile subscriber identity to a mobile communication device to cause the mobile communication device to store the second international mobile subscriber identity in the universal integrated circuit card and to cause the mobile communication device to delete the first international mobile subscriber identity from the universal integrated circuit card. Responsive to the mode of operation being an agency mode, a third international mobile subscriber identity and authentication keys can be provided to the mobile communication device to cause the mobile communication device to store the third international mobile subscriber identity and the authentication keys in the universal integrated circuit card without deleting the first international mobile subscriber identity from the universal integrated circuit card. Other embodiments are disclosed.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a continuation of U.S. application Ser. No.14/088,594, filed Nov. 25, 2013, which is incorporated herein byreference in its entirety.

FIELD OF THE DISCLOSURE

The subject disclosure relates to a method and apparatus for managinginternational mobile subscriber identity.

BACKGROUND

Mobile communication devices often travel into areas that are outside ofa service region of a home mobile network operator of the mobiledevices. Roaming is often utilized to enable communications in such outof service regions. However, in some circumstances a subscriber may beoperating in a country or coverage region in which long term roaming iseither not permitted or not feasible.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Reference will now be made to the accompanying drawings, which are notnecessarily drawn to scale, and wherein:

FIG. 1 depicts an illustrative embodiment of enabling mobile services tobe provided, such as to a subscriber operating outside of his or herhome mobile operating network service region;

FIGS. 2-4 depict illustrative embodiments of methods used in portions ofthe system described in FIG. 1;

FIG. 5 depicts an illustrative embodiment of communication system thatprovides communication services through distribution of IMSIs and/orauthentication keys;

FIG. 6 depicts an illustrative embodiment of a communication device thatcan operate outside of its home mobile operating network service region;and

FIG. 7 is a diagrammatic representation of a machine in the form of acomputer system within which a set of instructions, when executed, maycause the machine to perform any one or more of the methods describedherein.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The subject disclosure describes, among other things, illustrativeembodiments for providing mobile services to mobile communicationdevices that may be operating outside of a service region of their homemobile operating network. The mobile services can be provided by way ofmanaging the distribution of International Mobile Subscriber Identity(IMSI) to Universal Integrated Circuit Cards (UICCs) of the mobilecommunication devices. In one or more embodiments, a determination canbe made as to the available operation mode for a mobile communicationdevice and based on the available mode either a new IMSI can be providedto a UICC of the mobile communication device (overwriting an existingIMSI at the UICC) or a new IMSI along with authentication keys can beprovided to the UICC to be stored without deleting the existing IMSI.The new IMSI or the combination of another new IMSI with theauthentication keys can then be utilized by the UICC for registration toa mobile network operator or to a target mobile network operator. Otherembodiments are described in the subject disclosure.

One or more of the exemplary embodiments can provide an automatedprocess to execute a re-IMSI of a UICC (e.g., provisioning the UICC witha new IMSI) or a re-credentialing of a UICC (e.g., provisioning the UICCwith a new IMSI and authentication keys).

For example, upon activation of a subscription, the UICC of a mobilecommunication device can be provisioned in a network, and variousnetwork elements (e.g., a Home Location Register (HLR)) can beprovisioned with the corresponding data to enable mobile services to beprovided to the subscriber via the mobile communication device. Forinstance, in the HLR, the IMSI and the authentication keys for the UICCcan be provisioned to enable the UICC to register and authenticate withthe network. Once the UICC is activated, a subscriber account can beanalyzed or otherwise accessed to determine if the subscriber accountsupports a particular mode of operation, such as roaming only fornetwork access with other mobile network operators or a reseller and/oragency mode of operation for network access. In this example, if areseller mode only is supported, then a Mobile Country Code (MCC) and aMobile Network Code (MNC), which the UICC registers with, can be matchedagainst or otherwise indexed to a target list that is available for theparticular subscriber account so that a new IMSI can be selected toexecute a re-IMSI, as appropriate, to that particular mobile networkoperator. In one or more embodiments, this mobile network operator canhave already provided an IMSI range (e.g., a block of IMSI numbers)available for performing re-IMSI to UICCs, such as of this subscriberaccount. In one or more embodiments, the mobile network operator can beexecuted network changes or otherwise made network adjustments such thatnetwork traffic for communications associated with the IMSI range isrouted to a host core mobile network. In one or more embodiments, there-IMSI can be performed by way of an Over-The-Air programming (OTA)messaging (which includes the new IMSI) to the UICC. In one or moreembodiments, the new IMSI can be stored by the UICC and an existing IMSIcan be overwritten by the UICC. An IMSI update can then be performed tothe HLR and related data bases based on the new IMSI that has beendistributed to this particular UICC. The UICC can then be refreshedwhich forces a registration of the UICC utilizing the new IMSI. In oneor more embodiments, the determination of the operation mode, theselection of the new IMSI, the receiving of the OTA with the new IMSI,the storage of the new IMSI, the overwriting of the existing IMSI, theIMSI update for the HLR and other network elements, the refreshing ofthe UICC and/or the UICC registration using the new IMSI can beperformed automatically without user intervention or user input.

In one or more embodiments, if the account supports an agency mode(alone or in addition to the reseller mode), the process can utilize theMCC and MNC for the mobile network operator that the UICC is registeredon and can determine if the UICC should roam, re-IMSI in a resellermode, or be re-credentialed to support the agency mode. If the UICC isto be re-credentialed, a new IMSI and authentication keys for thatmobile network operator can be provided, such as via OTA, to the UICC.In one or more embodiments, the new IMSI and authentication keys can bestored in a separate profile from the existing set of credentials on theUICC. In this example, the UICC can refresh and use this new set ofcredentials to register on the target mobile network operator. If thisregistration successfully occurs on the target mobile network operator,then the HLR and related network elements on the host core network forthe UICC can be updated based on the new IMSI. Continuing with thisexample, the subscription can reside in the core network of the targetmobile network operator. In one or more embodiments, the target mobilenetwork operator can provide a set of credentials (e.g., new IMSI andauthentication keys) for each re-credential transaction. In one or moreembodiments, if the registration to the target mobile network operatordoes not complete successfully, then the UICC can fallback to itsexisting or bootstrap subscription and roam on the target mobile networkoperator or another available mobile network operator. In one or moreembodiments, a retry mechanism for the OTA of data to the UICC can beperformed, such as in response to detecting that the UICC has failed tosuccessfully complete the registration.

One embodiment of the subject disclosure is a method that includesdetermining, by a system including a processor, a mobile country codeand a mobile network code for a mobile communication device based on afirst registration associated with a universal integrated circuit cardof mobile communication device, where the universal integrated circuitcard stores a first international mobile subscriber identity. The methodcan include identifying, by the system, a mode of operation for themobile communication device according to a subscriber account associatedwith the mobile communication device, where the subscriber accountdesignates the mode of operation to be at least a roaming mode, areseller mode or an agency mode. The method can include, responsive tothe mode of operation being the reseller mode, selecting, by the system,a second international mobile subscriber identity from among a group ofinternational mobile subscriber identities that are designated for amobile network operator, where the selecting of the second internationalmobile subscriber identity is according to the mobile country code andthe mobile network code. The method can include, responsive to the modeof operation being the reseller mode, providing, by the system, thesecond international mobile subscriber identity to the mobilecommunication device to cause the mobile communication device to storethe second international mobile subscriber identity in the universalintegrated circuit card, where the providing of the second internationalmobile subscriber identity to the mobile communication device causes themobile communication device to delete the first international mobilesubscriber identity from the universal integrated circuit card. Themethod can include, responsive to the mode of operation being thereseller mode, providing, by the system, the second international mobilesubscriber identity to a home location register to facilitateestablishing communications for the mobile communication device.

One embodiment of the subject disclosure is a method that includesdetermining, by a system including a processor, a mobile network codefor a mobile communication device based on a first registrationassociated with a universal integrated circuit card of mobilecommunication device, where the universal integrated circuit card storesa first international mobile subscriber identity. The method can includeidentifying, by the system, a mode of operation for the mobilecommunication device according to a subscriber account associated withthe mobile communication device, where the subscriber account designatesthe mode of operation to be at least a reseller mode or an agency mode.The method can include, responsive to the mode of operation being thereseller mode, providing, by the system, a second international mobilesubscriber identity to the mobile communication device to cause themobile communication device to store the second international mobilesubscriber identity in the universal integrated circuit card, where theproviding of the second international mobile subscriber identity to themobile communication device causes the mobile communication device todelete the first international mobile subscriber identity from theuniversal integrated circuit card. The second international mobilesubscriber identity can be selected from among a group of internationalmobile subscriber identities that are designated for a mobile networkoperator. The selecting of the second international mobile subscriberidentity can be according to the mobile network code. The method caninclude, responsive to the mode of operation being the agency mode,providing, by the system, a third international mobile subscriberidentity and authentication keys to the mobile communication device tocause the mobile communication device to store the third internationalmobile subscriber identity and the authentication keys in the universalintegrated circuit card without deleting the first international mobilesubscriber identity from the universal integrated circuit card.

One embodiment of the subject disclosure includes a computer-readablestorage device comprising instructions which, responsive to beingexecuted by a processor, cause the processor to perform operations thatinclude storing a first international mobile subscriber identity on auniversal integrated circuit card of a mobile communication device. Theprocessor can, responsive to a mode of operation for the mobilecommunication device determined to be a reseller mode, receive a firstover-the-air programming message that includes a second internationalmobile subscriber identity. The processor can, responsive to the mode ofoperation for the mobile communication device determined to be thereseller mode, store the second international mobile subscriber identityin the universal integrated circuit card and deleting the firstinternational mobile subscriber identity from the universal integratedcircuit card. The second international mobile subscriber identity can beselected from among a group of international mobile subscriberidentities that are designated for a mobile network operator. Theselecting of the second international mobile subscriber identity can beaccording to a mobile network code. The processor can, responsive to themode of operation for the mobile communication device determined to bean agency mode, receive a second over-the-air programming message thatincludes a third international mobile subscriber identity andauthentication keys. The processor can, responsive to the mode ofoperation for the mobile communication device determined to be theagency mode, store the third international mobile subscriber identityand the authentication keys in the universal integrated circuit cardwithout deleting the first international mobile subscriber identity fromthe universal integrated circuit card. The mode of operation for themobile communication device can be determined according to a subscriberaccount associated with the mobile communication device.

FIG. 1 depicts an illustrative embodiment of a system 100 that enablesmobile communication devices 110 (only one of which is shown) to utilizemobile services, including voice, video and/or data services, even whenthe mobile communication device is outside of a service region of a homemobile network operator of the mobile communication device. The system100 enables selective distribution of new IMSIs (e.g., a re-IMSI) orselective distribution of a new IMSI and authentication keys (e.g.,re-credentialing) so that a mobile communication device can obtain aregistration and does not need to continue roaming in the network 105.Mobile communication device 110 is illustrated as a smart phone, but themobile communication device can be any type of mobile device capable ofwireless communications, such as a tablet, a laptop, a vehiclecommunication system, and so forth.

The network 105 can enable wireless communications utilizing varioustechnologies such as of Global System for Mobile (GSM), Code DivisionMultiple Access (CDMA), Time Division Multiple Access (TDMA), UniversalMobile Telecommunications (UMTS), World interoperability for Microwave(WiMAX), Software Defined Radio (SDR), Long Term Evolution (LTE), and soforth.

The system 100 can include a number of different mobile networkoperators 130 that can be independent mobile service providers,including mobile network operators that are assigned with MCC and MNCfor various networks. The mobile network operators can utilize variousdevices 140 (e.g., routers, switches, digital subscriber line accessmultiplexers (DSLAMs), and so forth) and various techniques forproviding mobile services. In one or more embodiments, the mobilenetwork operators can have inter-service agreements between each otherthat provides for the re-IMSI and/or re-credential processes describedherein. These inter-service agreements can be reciprocal meaning thatboth parties (e.g., a pair of mobile network operators) are providedwith the same benefits of the agreement so as to allow subscribers ofeach of the mobile network operators to be provided with the option fora re-IMSI or re-credential. In other embodiments, the inter-serviceagreements can be non-reciprocal in that subscribers of only one of themobile network operators is provided with the re-IMSI and re-credentialbenefit.

In one or more embodiments, the mobile communication device 110 caninclude a UICC 115 that is provisioned with an IMSI 120, such as uponregistration of the UICC with its home mobile network operator. The UICC115 can be various types of smart cards including a Subscriber IdentityModule (SIM) card or a removable user identity (R-UIM) card. The UICC115 can be a removable card or can be integrated with the mobilecommunication device 110. The UICC 115 can includes various components,such as a processor, memory, and input/output circuits, and can includevarious software such as a SIM application, a USIM application, ISIMapplication, CSIM application, and so forth. The UICC 115 can be usedfor identifying subscriber services, executing programs, storingsubscriber data, and so forth.

In one or more embodiments, the mobile communication device 110 canreceive an IMSI 150, such as via an OTA message (e.g., utilizing shortmessage service (SMS) messaging or protocol), although other methods ofprovisioning the mobile communication device 110 with the IMSI 150 canalso be utilized, including other wireless communication techniquesand/or wired communications. The receipt of the IMSI 150 can be inresponse to a determination (e.g., by a network server or by device 110)that the desired mode of operation for the mobile communication device110 is a reseller mode when the mobile communication device is outsideof the service region of its home mobile network operator. Thisdetermination can be made based on various factors and techniquesincluding an analysis of a subscriber account associated with the mobilecommunication device 110. The subscriber account can designate, orotherwise define, the mode of operation for the mobile communicationdevice to be one or more of a roaming mode, a reseller mode, or anagency mode. These modes of operation can be exclusive or can be incombination, such as a subscriber account that allows for both areseller mode and an agency mode when the mobile communication deviceseeks mobile services in a service region that is outside of the serviceregion of its home mobile network operator. Other factors can also beused in this determination, such as cost, mobile network operatorresources, stored user preferences, service provider inter-partyagreements, and so forth. The received IMSI 150 can be stored by theUICC 115, which can include overwriting or otherwise deleting the IMSI120 from the UICC.

In one or more embodiments, the IMSI 150 can be selected from among agroup of IMSIs 160 which are designated for one or more mobile networkoperators, such as assigning blocks of IMSI numbers to different mobilenetwork operators where these blocks are reserved for use in the re-IMSIprocess that is being described herein with respect to the IMSI 150. Inone or more embodiments, the appropriate IMSI can be selected from thegroup of IMSIs 160 according to the MCC and/or MNC associated with theUICC.

If a determination is made that the appropriate mode of operation forthe mobile communication device 110 is an agency mode (e.g., based on areview of the subscriber account), then the mobile communication device110 can receive IMSI 175 along with authentication keys 185. The IMSI175 and the authentication keys 185 can be received via an OTA message(e.g., utilizing SMS messaging), although other methods of provisioningthe mobile communication device 110 with the IMSI 175 and theauthentication keys 185 can also be utilized, including other wirelesscommunication techniques and/or wired communications. The received IMSI175 and authentication keys 185 can be stored by the UICC 115. In one ormore embodiments, the UICC can continue to store the IMSI 120 while alsostoring the IMSI 175 and authentication keys 185 in a separate profile.

The UICC 115, having either the IMSI 150 or the IMSI 175 (along with theauthentication keys 185) can perform a registration, such as withoutuser intervention or user input to enable the mobile communicationdevice to obtain mobile services in network 105, such as from a targetmobile network operator 130. In one or more embodiments, the mobilecommunication device 110 can engage in roaming, such as via the targetmobile network operator or another mobile network operator, if there isa detection of a failure to register with the target mobile networkoperator utilizing the IMSI 175 and the authentication keys 185. In oneor more embodiments, the re-IMSI or re-credential can be performed toenable a UICC registration without providing any notice to the userduring the process.

In one or more embodiments, the registration by the UICC 115 causes anetwork element on a host core network to be updated with the IMSI 150.In one or more embodiments, responsive to the mode of operation beingthe agency mode, a failure of the UICC 115 to register with a targetmobile network operator utilizing the IMSI 175 and the authenticationkeys 185 can be detected, and the IMSI 175 and the authentication keys185 can be re-transmitted to the mobile communication device 110 as aresult. In one or more embodiments, network adjustments can be made(prior to an OTA provisioning of IMSI 150 to the mobile communicationdevice 110) to enable or otherwise facilitate routing of traffic(associated with the group of IMSIs 160) to a host core network.

FIGS. 2-3 depict an illustrative embodiment of methods 200 and 300 usedby system 100 for performing a re-IMSI or a re-credential based onservice provider rules, such as a mode of operation indicated in asubscriber account. Method 200 can begin where the subscription is in astate to provide mobility network access and service. At 205-215, themode of operations (reseller allowing for re-IMSI or agency allowing forre-credential) as designated by the subscriber account can bedetermined.

At 220-240 a potential destination for the mobile device can beconsidered and monitoring for a change in the MCC and MNC can beperformed which may result in utilizing roaming rather than a re-IMSI orre-credential. In one embodiment, for accounts that are destined for acountry or region in which the UICC will potentially undergo a re-IMSIor a re-credential, a roaming agreement between service providers can beestablished so that the mobile communication device can at leasttemporarily operate via roaming. In the event of a re-IMSI orre-credential failure or until the transaction is completed, the mobilecommunication device can be provided service in a roaming mode. In oneor more embodiments, until a change in MCC and MNC is detected, the newMCC and MNC can be monitored and a determination can be made if this MCCand MNC is for a re-IMSI partner that is enabled. A change in theregistered network MCC and MNC can be detected for example by monitoringSS7 traffic or validating status on HSSs, or IMS elements among others.

At 305-315, a validation of coverage for re-IMSI partners or forre-credential partners can be determined. This can include the MCC andMNC of the mobile network operator that the subscriber is registered onbeing periodically checked until it matches that of the target mobilenetwork operator (for re-credentialing) or of the target mobile networkoperator (for re-IMSIing).

At 320-335 this can result in the re-IMSI being performed for the mobilecommunication device or an error report being created. At 340-350, are-credential request and account activation can be performed. At355-380, test switching and final switching can be performed to witherimplement the re-credential of the mobile communication device orgenerate an error report.

FIG. 4 depicts an illustrative embodiment of a method used for providingmobile services to the mobile communication device 110. At 402, a modeof operation for the mobile communication device can be identified orotherwise determined, such as according to a subscriber accountassociated with the mobile communication device, although other factorscan be used in this determination in addition to the subscriber accountor in place of the subscriber account, including mobile network operatorresources, existing agreements between service providers, stored userpreferences, mobile communication device capabilities, and so forth. Inone embodiment, the subscriber account can designate the mode ofoperation to be a roaming mode, a reseller mode or an agency mode, wherethe designation can be exclusive or non-exclusive. At 404, if the modeof operation is determined to be an agency mode then at 406, a new IMSIalong with authentication keys (or other credentials to be utilized inan authentication process) can be provided to the mobile communicationdevice 110, such as via OTA messaging using SMS protocol. At 408, theUICC 115 can receive these new credentials (e.g., IMSI 175 andauthentication keys 185) and can store them without deleting theexisting IMSI stored in the UICC. Method 400 can then proceed to 416where the UICC attempts to register utilizing the new credentials (e.g.,IMSI 175 and authentication keys 185). In one embodiment, if thisregistration on the target mobile network operator via the newcredentials is successful, then the HLR and various network elements onthe host core network for the UICC can be updated to indicate the use ofIMSI 175. In one embodiment, the subscription can reside in the corenetwork of the target mobile network operator and the target mobilenetwork operator can provide a set of credentials (e.g. a new IMSI andnew authentication keys) for each re-credential transaction. In oneembodiment, the UICC can engage in roaming, such as on the target mobilenetwork operator or another mobile network operator, if the registrationaccording to the new credentials is unsuccessful. Re-transmitmechanisms, utilizing various triggers, such as time dependent triggers,failure notices, and so forth, can be utilized with the provisioning ofthe IMSI 150 and/or the IMSI 175 (e.g., along with the authenticationkeys).

If on the other hand at 410, the mode of operations is determined to bea reseller mode then at 412 a new IMSI (e.g., IMSI 150) can be providedto the mobile communication device 110, such as via OTA messaging usingSMS protocol. The IMSI can be selected from a block of IMSIs designatedfor a particular mobile network operator according to the MCC and/or MNCassociated with the UICC 115. At 414, the UICC 115 can receive the IMSI150 and can store it while also overwriting or otherwise deleting theexisting IMSI (e.g., IMSI 120). Method 400 can then proceed to 416 wherethe UICC attempts to register utilizing the new IMSI 150. Method 400 canalso proceed to 418 in the event that the mode of operation isdesignated as roam only.

FIG. 5 depicts an illustrative embodiment of a communication system 500employing an IP Multimedia Subsystem (IMS) network architecture tofacilitate the combined services of circuit-switched and packet-switchedsystems. Communication system 500 can be overlaid or operably coupledwith system 100 as another representative embodiment of communicationsystem 500 to provide mobile services via a process that includes are-IMSI or a re-credential. For example, the system 500 can establishmobile services utilizing either the IMSI 150 or the IMSI 175 which hasbeen distributed to the UICC 115 according to the mode of operationdescribed in the subscriber account of the mobile communication device.Updates can be received by various elements of the network 500, such asthe Home Subscriber Server (HSS) 540, when the IMSI 150 or the IMSI 175is stored and utilized by the UICC 115.

Communication system 500 can comprise the HSS 540, a tElephone NUmberMapping (ENUM) server 530, and other network elements of an IMS network550. The IMS network 550 can establish communications betweenIMS-compliant communication devices (CDs) 501, 502, Public SwitchedTelephone Network (PSTN) CDs 503, 505, and combinations thereof by wayof a Media Gateway Control Function (MGCF) 520 coupled to a PSTN network560. The MGCF 520 need not be used when a communication session involvesIMS CD to IMS CD communications. A communication session involving atleast one PSTN CD may utilize the MGCF 520.

IMS CDs 501, 502 can register with the IMS network 550 by contacting aProxy Call Session Control Function (P-CSCF) which communicates with aninterrogating CSCF (I-CSCF), which in turn, communicates with a ServingCSCF (S-CSCF) to register the CDs with the HSS 540. To initiate acommunication session between CDs, an originating IMS CD 501 can submita Session Initiation Protocol (SIP INVITE) message to an originatingP-CSCF 504 which communicates with a corresponding originating S-CSCF506. The originating S-CSCF 506 can submit the SIP INVITE message to oneor more application servers (ASs) 517 that can provide a variety ofservices to IMS subscribers.

For example, the application servers 517 can be used to performoriginating call feature treatment functions on the calling party numberreceived by the originating S-CSCF 506 in the SIP INVITE message.Originating treatment functions can include determining whether thecalling party number has international calling services, call IDblocking, calling name blocking, 7-digit dialing, and/or is requestingspecial telephony features (e.g., *72 forward calls, *73 cancel callforwarding, *67 for caller ID blocking, and so on). Based on initialfilter criteria (iFCs) in a subscriber profile associated with a CD, oneor more application servers may be invoked to provide various calloriginating feature services.

Additionally, the originating S-CSCF 506 can submit queries to the ENUMsystem 530 to translate an E.164 telephone number in the SIP INVITEmessage to a SIP Uniform Resource Identifier (URI) if the terminatingcommunication device is IMS-compliant. The SIP URI can be used by anInterrogating CSCF (I-CSCF) 507 to submit a query to the HSS 540 toidentify a terminating S-CSCF 514 associated with a terminating IMS CDsuch as reference 502. Once identified, the I-CSCF 507 can submit theSIP INVITE message to the terminating S-CSCF 514. The terminating S-CSCF514 can then identify a terminating P-CSCF 516 associated with theterminating CD 502. The P-CSCF 516 may then signal the CD 502 toestablish Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) communication services,thereby enabling the calling and called parties to engage in voiceand/or data communications. Based on the iFCs in the subscriber profile,one or more application servers may be invoked to provide various callterminating feature services, such as call forwarding, do not disturb,music tones, simultaneous ringing, sequential ringing, etc.

In some instances the aforementioned communication process issymmetrical. Accordingly, the terms “originating” and “terminating” inFIG. 5 may be interchangeable. It is further noted that communicationsystem 500 can be adapted to support video conferencing. In addition,communication system 500 can be adapted to provide the IMS CDs 501, 502with the multimedia and Internet services of communication system 400 ofFIG. 4.

If the terminating communication device is instead a PSTN CD such as CD503 or CD 505 (in instances where the cellular phone only supportscircuit-switched voice communications), the ENUM system 530 can respondwith an unsuccessful address resolution which can cause the originatingS-CSCF 506 to forward the call to the MGCF 520 via a Breakout GatewayControl Function (BGCF) 519. The MGCF 520 can then initiate the call tothe terminating PSTN CD over the PSTN network 560 to enable the callingand called parties to engage in voice and/or data communications.

It is further appreciated that the CDs of FIG. 5 can operate as wirelineor wireless devices. For example, the CDs of FIG. 5 can becommunicatively coupled to a cellular base station 521, a femtocell, aWiFi router, a Digital Enhanced Cordless Telecommunications (DECT) baseunit, or another suitable wireless access unit to establishcommunications with the IMS network 550 of FIG. 5. The cellular accessbase station 521 can operate according to common wireless accessprotocols such as GSM, CDMA, TDMA, UMTS, WiMax, SDR, LTE, and so on.Other present and next generation wireless network technologies can beused by one or more embodiments of the subject disclosure. Accordingly,multiple wireline and wireless communication technologies can be used bythe CDs of FIG. 5.

Cellular phones supporting LTE can support packet-switched voice andpacket-switched data communications and thus may operate asIMS-compliant mobile devices. In this embodiment, the cellular basestation 521 may communicate directly with the IMS network 550 as shownby the arrow connecting the cellular base station 521 and the P-CSCF516.

Alternative forms of a CSCF can operate in a device, system, component,or other form of centralized or distributed hardware and/or software.Indeed, a respective CSCF may be embodied as a respective CSCF systemhaving one or more computers or servers, either centralized ordistributed, where each computer or server may be configured to performor provide, in whole or in part, any method, step, or functionalitydescribed herein in accordance with a respective CSCF. Likewise, otherfunctions, servers and computers described herein, including but notlimited to, the HSS, the ENUM server, the BGCF, and the MGCF, can beembodied in a respective system having one or more computers or servers,either centralized or distributed, where each computer or server may beconfigured to perform or provide, in whole or in part, any method, step,or functionality described herein in accordance with a respectivefunction, server, or computer.

In one or more embodiments, the server 599 can analyze or otherwiseaccess a subscriber agreement to determine a mode of operation (e.g.,roaming, resell, or agency) to be employed for a mobile communicationdevice (e.g., device 505) that is seeking to access mobile services(e.g., voice, video and/or data) in a network that is outside of aservice region of the devices home mobile network operator. In one ormore embodiments, the server 599 can receive and store the group ofIMSIs 160 (in FIG. 1) for distribution to mobile communication devices.In one or more embodiments, the server 599 can generate and transmit anOTA message that includes either the IMSI 150 or the IMSI 175 (e.g.,along with the authentication keys) depending on the mode of operationto be utilized. In one or more embodiments, the server 599 can monitorfor unsuccessful registrations by the mobile communication devices andcan facilitate roaming and/or can initiate a retransmission of the IMSI150 and/or the IMSI 175 (e.g., along with the authentication keys).

The server 599 can also be an integral part of the application server(s)517 performing the re-IMSI and/or re-credential procedures describedherein.

For illustration purposes only, the terms S-CSCF, P-CSCF, I-CSCF, and soon, can be server devices, but may be referred to in the subjectdisclosure without the word “server.” It is also understood that anyform of a CSCF server can operate in a device, system, component, orother form of centralized or distributed hardware and software. It isfurther noted that these terms and other terms such as DIAMETER commandsare terms can include features, methodologies, and/or fields that may bedescribed in whole or in part by standards bodies such as 3^(rd)Generation Partnership Project (3GPP). It is further noted that some orall embodiments of the subject disclosure may in whole or in partmodify, supplement, or otherwise supersede final or proposed standardspublished and promulgated by 3GPP.

FIG. 7 depicts an illustrative embodiment of a communication device 700.Communication device 700 can serve in whole or in part as anillustrative embodiment of the devices depicted in system 100 and 500,including mobile communication device 110, network elements 140, and soforth. Communication device 700 can include UICC 115, which can beremovable or integrated with the device 700. As explained herein, theUICC 115 can store IMSI 120, can receive and store IMSI 150 whiledeleting IMSI 120, or can store IMSI 175 along with authentication keys185 while also storing IMSI 120 in a separate profile. The UICC 115 canprovide for registration with a network via the IMSI 150 or registrationwith a network via the IMSI 175 and authentication keys 185 so thatdevice 700 is provided mobile services even when outside of a serviceregion of the home mobile network operation associated with IMSI 120.

Communication device 700 can comprise a wireline and/or wirelesstransceiver 702 (herein transceiver 702), a user interface (UI) 704, apower supply 714, a location receiver 716, a motion sensor 718, anorientation sensor 720, and a controller 706 for managing operationsthereof. The transceiver 702 can support short-range or long-rangewireless access technologies such as Bluetooth®, ZigBee®, WiFi, DECT, orcellular communication technologies, just to mention a few (Bluetooth®and ZigBee® are trademarks registered by the Bluetooth® Special InterestGroup and the ZigBee® Alliance, respectively). Cellular technologies caninclude, for example, CDMA-1×, UMTS/HSDPA, GSM/GPRS, TDMA/EDGE, EV/DO,WiMAX, SDR, LTE, as well as other next generation wireless communicationtechnologies as they arise. The transceiver 702 can also be adapted tosupport circuit-switched wireline access technologies (such as PSTN),packet-switched wireline access technologies (such as TCP/IP, VoIP,etc.), and combinations thereof.

The UI 704 can include a depressible or touch-sensitive keypad 708 witha navigation mechanism such as a roller ball, a joystick, a mouse, or anavigation disk for manipulating operations of the communication device700. The keypad 708 can be an integral part of a housing assembly of thecommunication device 700 or an independent device operably coupledthereto by a tethered wireline interface (such as a USB cable) or awireless interface supporting for example Bluetooth®. The keypad 708 canrepresent a numeric keypad commonly used by phones, and/or a QWERTYkeypad with alphanumeric keys. The UI 704 can further include a display710 such as monochrome or color LCD (Liquid Crystal Display), OLED(Organic Light Emitting Diode) or other suitable display technology forconveying images to an end user of the communication device 700. In anembodiment where the display 710 is touch-sensitive, a portion or all ofthe keypad 708 can be presented by way of the display 710 withnavigation features.

The display 710 can use touch screen technology to also serve as a userinterface for detecting user input. As a touch screen display, thecommunication device 700 can be adapted to present a user interface withgraphical user interface (GUI) elements that can be selected by a userwith a touch of a finger. The touch screen display 710 can be equippedwith capacitive, resistive or other forms of sensing technology todetect how much surface area of a user's finger has been placed on aportion of the touch screen display. This sensing information can beused to control the manipulation of the GUI elements or other functionsof the user interface. The display 710 can be an integral part of thehousing assembly of the communication device 700 or an independentdevice communicatively coupled thereto by a tethered wireline interface(such as a cable) or a wireless interface.

The UI 704 can also include an audio system 712 that utilizes audiotechnology for conveying low volume audio (such as audio heard inproximity of a human ear) and high volume audio (such as speakerphonefor hands free operation). The audio system 712 can further include amicrophone for receiving audible signals of an end user. The audiosystem 712 can also be used for voice recognition applications. The UI704 can further include an image sensor 713 such as a charged coupleddevice (CCD) camera for capturing still or moving images.

The power supply 714 can utilize common power management technologiessuch as replaceable and rechargeable batteries, supply regulationtechnologies, and/or charging system technologies for supplying energyto the components of the communication device 700 to facilitatelong-range or short-range portable applications. Alternatively, or incombination, the charging system can utilize external power sources suchas DC power supplied over a physical interface such as a USB port orother suitable tethering technologies.

The location receiver 716 can utilize location technology such as aglobal positioning system (GPS) receiver capable of assisted GPS foridentifying a location of the communication device 700 based on signalsgenerated by a constellation of GPS satellites, which can be used forfacilitating location services such as navigation. The motion sensor 718can utilize motion sensing technology such as an accelerometer, agyroscope, or other suitable motion sensing technology to detect motionof the communication device 700 in three-dimensional space. Theorientation sensor 720 can utilize orientation sensing technology suchas a magnetometer to detect the orientation of the communication device700 (north, south, west, and east, as well as combined orientations indegrees, minutes, or other suitable orientation metrics).

The communication device 700 can use the transceiver 702 to alsodetermine a proximity to a cellular, WiFi, Bluetooth®, or other wirelessaccess points by sensing techniques such as utilizing a received signalstrength indicator (RSSI) and/or signal time of arrival (TOA) or time offlight (TOF) measurements. The controller 706 can utilize computingtechnologies such as a microprocessor, a digital signal processor (DSP),programmable gate arrays, application specific integrated circuits,and/or a video processor with associated storage memory such as Flash,ROM, RAM, SRAM, DRAM or other storage technologies for executingcomputer instructions, controlling, and processing data supplied by theaforementioned components of the communication device 700.

Other components not shown in FIG. 7 can be used in one or moreembodiments of the subject disclosure. For instance, the communicationdevice 700 can include a reset button (not shown). The reset button canbe used to reset the controller 706 of the communication device 700. Inyet another embodiment, the communication device 700 can also include afactory default setting button positioned, for example, below a smallhole in a housing assembly of the communication device 700 to force thecommunication device 700 to re-establish factory settings. In thisembodiment, a user can use a protruding object such as a pen or paperclip tip to reach into the hole and depress the default setting button.The communication device 700 can also include a slot for adding orremoving the UICC 115, which can be used for other purposes in additionto storing the IMSI and authentication keys, such as identifyingsubscriber services, executing programs, storing subscriber data, and soforth.

The communication device 700 as described herein can operate with moreor less of the circuit components shown in FIG. 7. These variantembodiments can be used in one or more embodiments of the subjectdisclosure.

Upon reviewing the aforementioned embodiments, it would be evident to anartisan with ordinary skill in the art that said embodiments can bemodified, reduced, or enhanced without departing from the scope of theclaims described below. Other embodiments can be used in the subjectdisclosure.

In one or more embodiments, authorization from the mobile networkoperator and/or the target mobile network operator can be obtained priorto commencing (or during) the re-IMSI or re-credential processes toenable a mobile communication device operating outside of a serviceregion of its home mobile network operator to access mobile services,including voice, video and/or data services.

It should be understood that devices described in the exemplaryembodiments can be in communication with each other via various wirelessand/or wired methodologies. The methodologies can be links that aredescribed as coupled, connected and so forth, which can includeunidirectional and/or bidirectional communication over wireless pathsand/or wired paths that utilize one or more of various protocols ormethodologies, where the coupling and/or connection can be direct (e.g.,no intervening processing device) and/or indirect (e.g., an intermediaryprocessing device such as a router).

FIG. 8 depicts an exemplary diagrammatic representation of a machine inthe form of a computer system 800 within which a set of instructions,when executed, may cause the machine to perform any one or more of themethods described above. One or more instances of the machine canoperate, for example, as the mobile communication device 110, the UICC115, the network element(s) 140, the server 599 and so forth, in orderto manage the distribution of IMSIs and/or authentication keys to enablemobile services to be provided to mobile communication devices even whenoutside of a service region of a home mobile network operator. In someembodiments, the machine may be connected (e.g., using a network 826) toother machines. In a networked deployment, the machine may operate inthe capacity of a server or a client user machine in a server-clientuser network environment, or as a peer machine in a peer-to-peer (ordistributed) network environment.

The machine may comprise a server computer, a client user computer, apersonal computer (PC), a tablet, a smart phone, a laptop computer, adesktop computer, a control system, a network router, switch or bridge,or any machine capable of executing a set of instructions (sequential orotherwise) that specify actions to be taken by that machine. It will beunderstood that a communication device of the subject disclosureincludes broadly any electronic device that provides voice, video ordata communication. Further, while a single machine is illustrated, theterm “machine” shall also be taken to include any collection of machinesthat individually or jointly execute a set (or multiple sets) ofinstructions to perform any one or more of the methods discussed herein.

The computer system 800 may include a processor (or controller) 802(e.g., a central processing unit (CPU)), a graphics processing unit(GPU, or both), a main memory 804 and a static memory 806, whichcommunicate with each other via a bus 808. The computer system 800 mayfurther include a display unit 810 (e.g., a liquid crystal display(LCD), a flat panel, or a solid state display). The computer system 800may include an input device 812 (e.g., a keyboard), a cursor controldevice 814 (e.g., a mouse), a disk drive unit 816, a signal generationdevice 818 (e.g., a speaker or remote control) and a network interfacedevice 820. In distributed environments, the embodiments described inthe subject disclosure can be adapted to utilize multiple display units810 controlled by two or more computer systems 800. In thisconfiguration, presentations described by the subject disclosure may inpart be shown in a first of the display units 810, while the remainingportion is presented in a second of the display units 810.

The disk drive unit 816 may include a tangible computer-readable storagemedium 822 on which is stored one or more sets of instructions (e.g.,software 824) embodying any one or more of the methods or functionsdescribed herein, including those methods illustrated above. Theinstructions 824 may also reside, completely or at least partially,within the main memory 804, the static memory 806, and/or within theprocessor 802 during execution thereof by the computer system 800. Themain memory 804 and the processor 802 also may constitute tangiblecomputer-readable storage media.

Dedicated hardware implementations including, but not limited to,application specific integrated circuits, programmable logic arrays andother hardware devices can likewise be constructed to implement themethods described herein. Application specific integrated circuits andprogrammable logic array can use downloadable instructions for executingstate machines and/or circuit configurations to implement embodiments ofthe subject disclosure. Applications that may include the apparatus andsystems of various embodiments broadly include a variety of electronicand computer systems. Some embodiments implement functions in two ormore specific interconnected hardware modules or devices with relatedcontrol and data signals communicated between and through the modules,or as portions of an application-specific integrated circuit. Thus, theexample system is applicable to software, firmware, and hardwareimplementations.

In accordance with various embodiments of the subject disclosure, theoperations or methods described herein are intended for operation assoftware programs or instructions running on or executed by a computerprocessor or other computing device, and which may include other formsof instructions manifested as a state machine implemented with logiccomponents in an application specific integrated circuit or fieldprogrammable gate array. Furthermore, software implementations (e.g.,software programs, instructions, etc.) including, but not limited to,distributed processing or component/object distributed processing,parallel processing, or virtual machine processing can also beconstructed to implement the methods described herein. It is furthernoted that a computing device such as a processor, a controller, a statemachine or other suitable device for executing instructions to performoperations or methods may perform such operations directly or indirectlyby way of one or more intermediate devices directed by the computingdevice.

While the tangible computer-readable storage medium 822 is shown in anexample embodiment to be a single medium, the term “tangiblecomputer-readable storage medium” should be taken to include a singlemedium or multiple media (e.g., a centralized or distributed database,and/or associated caches and servers) that store the one or more sets ofinstructions. The term “tangible computer-readable storage medium” shallalso be taken to include any non-transitory medium that is capable ofstoring or encoding a set of instructions for execution by the machineand that cause the machine to perform any one or more of the methods ofthe subject disclosure. The term “non-transitory” as in a non-transitorycomputer-readable storage includes without limitation memories, drives,devices and anything tangible but not a signal per se.

The term “tangible computer-readable storage medium” shall accordinglybe taken to include, but not be limited to: solid-state memories such asa memory card or other package that houses one or more read-only(non-volatile) memories, random access memories, or other re-writable(volatile) memories, a magneto-optical or optical medium such as a diskor tape, or other tangible media which can be used to store information.Accordingly, the disclosure is considered to include any one or more ofa tangible computer-readable storage medium, as listed herein andincluding art-recognized equivalents and successor media, in which thesoftware implementations herein are stored.

Although the present specification describes components and functionsimplemented in the embodiments with reference to particular standardsand protocols, the disclosure is not limited to such standards andprotocols. Each of the standards for Internet and other packet switchednetwork transmission (e.g., TCP/IP, UDP/IP, HTML, HTTP) representexamples of the state of the art. Such standards are from time-to-timesuperseded by faster or more efficient equivalents having essentiallythe same functions. Wireless standards for device detection (e.g.,RFID), short-range communications (e.g., Bluetooth®, WiFi, Zigbee®), andlong-range communications (e.g., WiMAX, GSM, CDMA, LTE) can be used bycomputer system 800.

The illustrations of embodiments described herein are intended toprovide a general understanding of the structure of various embodiments,and they are not intended to serve as a complete description of all theelements and features of apparatus and systems that might make use ofthe structures described herein. Many other embodiments will be apparentto those of skill in the art upon reviewing the above description. Theexemplary embodiments can include combinations of features and/or stepsfrom multiple embodiments. Other embodiments may be utilized and derivedtherefrom, such that structural and logical substitutions and changesmay be made without departing from the scope of this disclosure. Figuresare also merely representational and may not be drawn to scale. Certainproportions thereof may be exaggerated, while others may be minimized.Accordingly, the specification and drawings are to be regarded in anillustrative rather than a restrictive sense.

Although specific embodiments have been illustrated and describedherein, it should be appreciated that any arrangement calculated toachieve the same purpose may be substituted for the specific embodimentsshown. This disclosure is intended to cover any and all adaptations orvariations of various embodiments. Combinations of the aboveembodiments, and other embodiments not specifically described herein,can be used in the subject disclosure. In one or more embodiments,features that are positively recited can also be excluded from theembodiment with or without replacement by another component or step. Thesteps or functions described with respect to the exemplary processes ormethods can be performed in any order. The steps or functions describedwith respect to the exemplary processes or methods can be performedalone or in combination with other steps or functions (from otherembodiments or from other steps that have not been described).

Less than all of the steps or functions described with respect to theexemplary processes or methods can also be performed in one or more ofthe exemplary embodiments. Further, the use of numerical terms todescribe a device, component, step or function, such as first, second,third, and so forth, is not intended to describe an order or functionunless expressly stated so. The use of the terms first, second, thirdand so forth, is generally to distinguish between devices, components,steps or functions unless expressly stated otherwise. Additionally, oneor more devices or components described with respect to the exemplaryembodiments can facilitate one or more functions, where the facilitating(e.g., facilitating access or facilitating establishing a connection)can include less than every step needed to perform the function or caninclude all of the steps needed to perform the function.

In one or more embodiments, a processor (which can include a controlleror circuit) has been described that performs various functions. Itshould be understood that the processor can be multiple processors,which can include distributed processors or parallel processors in asingle machine or multiple machines. The processor can be used insupporting a virtual processing environment. The virtual processingenvironment may support one or more virtual machines representingcomputers, servers, or other computing devices. In such virtualmachines, components such as microprocessors and storage devices may bevirtualized or logically represented. The processor can include a statemachine, application specific integrated circuit, and/or programmablegate array including a Field PGA. In one or more embodiments, when aprocessor executes instructions to perform “operations”, this caninclude the processor performing the operations directly and/orfacilitating, directing, or cooperating with another device or componentto perform the operations.

The Abstract of the Disclosure is provided with the understanding thatit will not be used to interpret or limit the scope or meaning of theclaims. In addition, in the foregoing Detailed Description, it can beseen that various features are grouped together in a single embodimentfor the purpose of streamlining the disclosure. This method ofdisclosure is not to be interpreted as reflecting an intention that theclaimed embodiments require more features than are expressly recited ineach claim. Rather, as the following claims reflect, inventive subjectmatter lies in less than all features of a single disclosed embodiment.Thus the following claims are hereby incorporated into the DetailedDescription, with each claim standing on its own as a separately claimedsubject matter.

What is claimed is:
 1. A device comprising: a processing system including a processor; and a memory that stores executable instructions that, when executed by the processing system, facilitate performance of operations comprising: identifying a mode of operation for a mobile communication device according to a subscriber account associated with the mobile communication device, wherein the mobile communication device has a universal integrated circuit card that stores a first international mobile subscriber identity; responsive to the mode of operation being a reseller mode, providing a second international mobile subscriber identity to the mobile communication device to cause the mobile communication device to store the second international mobile subscriber identity in the universal integrated circuit card, wherein the second international mobile subscriber identity is provided for use with a target mobile network operator different from a home mobile network operator of the mobile communication device; and responsive to the mode of operation being an agency mode, providing a third international mobile subscriber identity and authentication keys to the mobile communication device to cause the mobile communication device to store the third international mobile subscriber identity and the authentication keys in the universal integrated circuit card without deleting the first international mobile subscriber identity from the universal integrated circuit card.
 2. The device of claim 1, wherein the providing of the second international mobile subscriber identity to the mobile communication device causes the mobile communication device to delete the first international mobile subscriber identity from the universal integrated circuit card.
 3. The device of claim 1, wherein the second international mobile subscriber identity is selected from among a group of international mobile subscriber identities that are designated for the target mobile network operator.
 4. The device of claim 3, wherein the operations further comprise providing network adjustments to enable routing of traffic associated with the group of international mobile subscriber identities to a host core network.
 5. The device of claim 1, wherein the subscriber account designates the mode of operation to be at least one of the reseller mode, the agency mode, and a roaming mode.
 6. The device of claim 1, wherein the providing of the second international mobile subscriber identity or the third international mobile subscriber identity to the mobile communication device is via over-the-air programming messaging utilizing short message service messaging.
 7. The device of claim 1, wherein a plurality of mobile network operators provide services at a location of the mobile communication device, and wherein the plurality of mobile network operators have inter-service agreements for facilitating the providing of the second international mobile subscriber identity, the third international mobile subscriber identity, or the authentication keys.
 8. The device of claim 1, wherein the operations further comprise: detecting a failure of the universal integrated circuit card to register with the target mobile network operator utilizing the third international mobile subscriber identity and the authentication keys; and responsive to the detecting, providing roaming via the target mobile network operator for the mobile communication device.
 9. The device of claim 1, wherein the operations further comprise: detecting a failure of the universal integrated circuit card to register with the target mobile network operator utilizing the third international mobile subscriber identity and the authentication keys; and responsive to the detecting, re-transmitting the third international mobile subscriber identity and the authentication keys to the mobile communication device.
 10. The device of claim 1, wherein the second international mobile subscriber identity is selected according to a mobile country code and a mobile network code for the mobile network device.
 11. The device of claim 1, wherein the mobile communication device is outside a first service region of the home mobile network operator and within a second service region of the target mobile network operator.
 12. A non-transitory machine-readable storage medium comprising executable instructions that, when executed by a processing system including a processor, facilitate performance of operations comprising: identifying a mode of operation for a mobile communication device according to a subscriber account associated with the mobile communication device, wherein the mobile communication device has a universal integrated circuit card that stores a first international mobile subscriber identity; responsive to the mode of operation being a reseller mode, providing a second international mobile subscriber identity to the mobile communication device to cause the mobile communication device to store the second international mobile subscriber identity in the universal integrated circuit card, wherein the second international mobile subscriber identity is selected according to a mobile country code and a mobile network code for the mobile communication device, and wherein the second international mobile subscriber identity is provided for use with a target mobile network operator different from a home mobile network operator of the mobile communication device; and responsive to the mode of operation being an agency mode, providing a third international mobile subscriber identity and authentication keys to the mobile communication device to cause the mobile communication device to store the third international mobile subscriber identity and the authentication keys in the universal integrated circuit card without deleting the first international mobile subscriber identity from the universal integrated circuit card.
 13. The non-transitory machine-readable storage medium of claim 12, wherein the providing of the second international mobile subscriber identity to the mobile communication device causes the mobile communication device to delete the first international mobile subscriber identity from the universal integrated circuit card.
 14. The non-transitory machine-readable storage medium of claim 12, wherein the second international mobile subscriber identity is selected from among a group of international mobile subscriber identities that are designated for the target mobile network operator.
 15. The non-transitory machine-readable storage medium of claim 12, wherein the operations further comprise: detecting a failure of the universal integrated circuit card to register with the target mobile network operator utilizing the third international mobile subscriber identity and the authentication keys; and responsive to the detecting, providing roaming via the target mobile network operator for the mobile communication device.
 16. The non-transitory machine-readable storage medium of claim 12, wherein the operations further comprise: detecting a failure of the universal integrated circuit card to register with the target mobile network operator utilizing the third international mobile subscriber identity and the authentication keys; and responsive to the detecting, re-transmitting the third international mobile subscriber identity and the authentication keys to the mobile communication device.
 17. A method comprising: identifying, by a processing system including a processor, a mode of operation for a mobile communication device according to a subscriber account associated with the mobile communication device, wherein the mobile communication device has a universal integrated circuit card that stores a first international mobile subscriber identity, and wherein a mobile country code and a mobile network code for the mobile communication device are based on a registration associated with the universal integrated circuit card; responsive to the mode of operation being a reseller mode, providing, by the processing system, a second international mobile subscriber identity to the mobile communication device to cause the mobile communication device to store the second international mobile subscriber identity in the universal integrated circuit card and to delete the first international mobile subscriber identity from the universal integrated circuit card, wherein the second international mobile subscriber identity is provided for use with a target mobile network operator different from a home mobile network operator of the mobile communication device; and responsive to the mode of operation being an agency mode, providing, by the processing system, a third international mobile subscriber identity and authentication keys to the mobile communication device to cause the mobile communication device to store the third international mobile subscriber identity and the authentication keys in the universal integrated circuit card without deleting the first international mobile subscriber identity from the universal integrated circuit card.
 18. The method of claim 17, wherein the second international mobile subscriber identity is selected from among a group of international mobile subscriber identities that are designated for the target mobile network operator.
 19. The method of claim 17, further comprising: responsive to the mode of operation being the reseller mode, providing, by the processing system, the second international mobile subscriber identity to a home location register to facilitate establishing communications for the mobile communication device.
 20. The method of claim 17, wherein the providing of the second international mobile subscriber identity or the third international mobile subscriber identity to the mobile communication device is via over-the-air programming messaging utilizing short message service messaging. 